I don't recall seeing this problem mentioned before, and a quick search of ABI didn't turn up anything. I recently (cyber Monday) picked up a 8GB Clip+ from Amazon to replace an another older, failing device. I've just noticed that there is annoying system noise at the end of each track before it advances to the next track. This also happens when manually advancing through tracks. It sounds like the same noise that caused me to return my Sansa e200 six years ago.

This only happens when playing songs loaded on the device's internal memory. It took me a while to notice this because I've been playing music from my SD card and only just recently added files to the onboard memory.

Is this something that might be fixed through firmware? It came with 1.0.17A, and I upgraded to 1.0.18. No difference. Could rolling back to an earlier version help? I'm really bummed because this is unacceptable, and I've ruined my chances of returning the device. By the time I noticed there was a problem I'd not only tossed the packaging, but also the earbuds and USB cord.

The noise you're hearing has been mentioneded a number of times here. Mostly in the Rockbox subforum. It's also been talked about on other forums and complaint boards. From what I've read if you hear it or not seems to be hardware, hearing and headphone related.

Some units have the issue, some don't. Some people hear it and can't tolerate the noise, some don't hear it with the same unit. People using relatively sensitive IEMs tend to hear it more than those using full size cans. When I say sensitive that doesn't necessarily mean expensive. I read a very credible report where the user had a set of $15 JVC Marshmallows.

Changing the firmware hasn't seemed to make a difference in any of the reports I've read. Trying a new unit is probably your best bet. I've read that the same user with the same headphones found the problem to either go away or be greatly reduced with a different unit.

I haven't had to deal with a sandisk RMA but I've read dozens of times all you need is proof the purchase was made during the one year warranty period. I'd get in touch with them and see if the items you tossed are needed for a return. Unfortunately even if you can return it there's a chance the new unit will have the same problem.

Thanks for the quick but discouraging reply. I've loved our Clip+ players. We have four in our family. But it's disappointing to know now that a problem that chased me away from Sandisk players so many years ago is still a random risk today. Has this been reported with the Clip Zip, as well?